A 34^th minute free-kick gave Manchester United victory in a closely contested Academy game at Compton Park on Saturday.

A larger than usual crowd turned up at the Jack Hayward Training Ground to see the game.

Coach John Perkins said: "The first half was fairly even with neither side enjoying too many chances.

"United got what turned out to be the only goal of the game with 34 minutes gone when Oliver Norwood curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner.

"Kyle Bennett did have a half chance to level things but the United keeper saved his shot.

"After the break we passed the ball a lot better and were unlucky when Scott Malone headed against the post after a cross from John Dunleavy.

"Ashley Hemmings had a good shot well saved and Kyle drive narrowly wide but we couldn't get the equaliser I believe we deserved.

"Our defence played well and United didn't create much in the second half but they took the three points thanks to that free-kick."

Pictured: Kyle Bennett beats his man in Saturday's encounter with Manchester United. (picture courtesy FaulkValley Photography)